Airbags and airbag systems

Abstract

To enhance an effect of suppressing the rotation of a head.SOLUTION: An air bag for front passenger seat comprises: a front part which is opposed to a vehicle rear side in the inflated and deployed state of the air bag; a first side wall part which is opposed to one side in the vehicle width direction in the inflated and deployed state; a second side wall part which is opposed to the other side in the vehicle width direction in the inflated and deployed state; and a first side tether which is provided in the air bag. The first side tether comprises: a first rear end part which is coupled to the front part; and a first front end part which is coupled to the first side wall part. The first side part being a front portion on the first side wall part side in the front part is inflated to the vehicle rear side by the first side tether in the inflated and deployed state, and the first side part that is inflated to the vehicle rear side falls down to an occupant entering the front part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an airbag and an airbag device.

Background Art

[0002] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a deployed state of a passenger seat airbag device disclosed in Patent Document 1. In FIG. 1, (A) shows an initial stage of deployment, and (B) shows the deployment (deformation) behavior of the airbag 114 when the occupant P enters the airbag 114 obliquely from a diagonal direction after the state of (A).

[0003] The airbag 114 includes a front protection part 116 located in front of the occupant P at the time of deployment, and a pair of side protruding parts 118L and 118R located on the vehicle width direction side parts of the front protection part 116 and protruding toward the occupant P side more than the front protection part 116.

[0004] Inside the airbag 114, a central tether 120 whose front end is connected near the front of the airbag and whose rear end is connected to the front protection part 116, and a pair of left and right branch tethers 122R and 122L provided so as to branch from a branch part 121 of the central tether 120 are provided.

[0005] When the airbag 114 is deployed due to a vehicle collision, in the initial stage, as shown in FIG. 1(A), a tension in the front-rear direction (deployment direction) is applied to the branch tethers 122L and 122R by the inflation gas, and the front protection part 116 is pulled forward of the vehicle at the connection part with these branch tethers 122L and 122R.

[0006] As shown in FIG. 1(A), in the state where the airbag 114 is fully deployed, the rear side of the branch part 121 of the central tether 120, that is, the side of the occupant P is in a slack state. For this reason, the front protection part 116 is not pulled forward by the central tether 120.

[0007] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 1(B), for example, if occupant P enters the fully deployed airbag 114 diagonally to the left and forward, the tension of the branch tether 122L on the side receiving pressure from occupant P's head decreases and it loosens. At this time, tension is applied to the central tether 120 as the front protective section 116 moves, causing the central tether 120 to pull the front protective section 116 forward. As a result, when viewed from occupant P's side, the connection point between the central tether 120 and the front protective section 116 becomes recessed, and a region 100 with a small radius of curvature is formed on the front protective section 116. This is intended to flexibly receive occupant P's head and suppress head rotation. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-152266 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] However, with conventional airbags, the entire airbag tilts in the direction of entry due to the occupant entering at an angle, and similarly, the lateral protrusion (lateral protrusion 118L in the example in Figure 1) also tilts in the direction of entry. When the lateral protrusion tilts in the direction of entry, the force with which the airbag supports the occupant's head decreases, so there is room to improve the effect of suppressing head rotation.

[0010] This disclosure provides an airbag and an airbag device that enhance the effect of suppressing head rotation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In one aspect of this disclosure, It is a passenger-side airbag, In the inflated and deployed state of the airbag, the front portion facing the rear of the vehicle and, In the aforementioned expanded and unfolded state, a first side wall portion facing one side in the vehicle width direction, In the aforementioned expanded and unfolded state, the second side wall portion facing the other side in the vehicle width direction, The airbag includes a first side tether located inside the airbag, The first side tether has a first rear end connected to the front portion and a first front end connected to the first side wall portion. The first side portion, which is the front portion of the front section on the side of the first side wall, expands towards the rear of the vehicle by the first side tether in the inflated and deployed state, and the first side portion that has expanded towards the rear of the vehicle collapses into the front section, providing an airbag.

[0012] In another aspect of this disclosure, An airbag device is provided, comprising an airbag and an inflator that supplies gas to inflate the airbag. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to this disclosure, the effect of suppressing head rotation can be enhanced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing the deployed state of the passenger-side airbag device disclosed in Patent Document 1. [Figure 2] This is a front view showing the inflated and deployed state of the airbag according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a side view showing the inflated and deployed state of the airbag according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a side view of the airbag device according to the first embodiment, showing the airbag in an inflated and deployed state. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the airbag according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of an airbag in its initial inflated and deployed state. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of the airbag immediately after the occupant enters the front of the vehicle. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view of an airbag in a state where the first side portion bulging to the rear side of the vehicle falls onto the occupant. [Figure 9] It is a side view of an airbag device in a state where the airbag according to the second embodiment is inflated and deployed. [Figure 10] It is a side view of an airbag device in a state where the airbag according to the third embodiment is inflated and deployed. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view of an airbag according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the effect of the lateral tether. [Figure 13] It is a side view of an airbag device in a state where the airbag according to the fifth embodiment is inflated and deployed. [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional view of an airbag according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view showing a modification example of the airbag according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a side view of an airbag device in a state where the airbag according to the sixth embodiment is inflated and deployed. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing the inflation and deployment process of the airbag according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a plan view of a plurality of panels and a plurality of tethers forming the airbag.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. For ease of understanding, the scales of each part in the drawings may be different from the actual ones. In directions such as parallel, right angle, orthogonal, horizontal, vertical, up and down, left and right, front and back, a deviation that does not impair the operation and effects of the embodiments is allowed.

[0016] Figure 2 is a front view showing the inflated and deployed state of the airbag according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a side view showing the inflated and deployed state of the airbag according to the first embodiment. The airbag 101 shown in Figures 2 and 3 is an example of an airbag for the passenger seat. In the inflated and deployed state, the airbag 101 has a front portion 10, a left side wall portion 20, a right side wall portion 30, a bottom portion 40, and a top portion 50.

[0017] The front portion 10 is a part formed and installed so as to face the rear of the vehicle when the airbag 101 is inflated and deployed. When the airbag 101 is inflated and deployed, the front portion 10 faces the occupant's head and catches the occupant's head as it moves toward the front of the vehicle in the event of a collision.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the front section 10 has a left front section 12, a right front section 13, and a central front section 11. The left front section 12 is the front portion of the front section 10 on the left side wall section 20. The left front section 12 is an example of a first side section. The right front section 13 is the front portion of the front section 10 on the right side wall section 30. The right front section 13 is an example of a second side section. The central front section 11 is the front portion of the front section 10 between the left front section 12 and the right front section 13.

[0019] Between the left front section 12 and the central front section 11, a left-side valley section 14 is formed, which extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle when the airbag 101 is inflated and deployed. For example, in a front view of the airbag 101, the left-side valley section 14 extends from the top section 50 towards the bottom section 40 and extends to near the center of the front section 10. In this example, in a front view of the airbag 101, the left-side valley section 14 extends to near the center of the front section 10 and then curves towards the left-side wall section 20 of the front section 10.

[0020] Between the right front section 13 and the central front section 11, a right-side valley section 15 is formed, which extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle when the airbag 101 is inflated and deployed. For example, in a front view of the airbag 101, the right-side valley section 15 extends from the top section 50 towards the bottom section 40 and extends to near the center of the front section 10. In this example, in a front view of the airbag 101, the right-side valley section 15 extends to near the center of the front section 10 and then curves towards the right-side wall section 30 of the front section 10.

[0021] The left side wall portion 20 is a portion formed and installed so as to face one side in the vehicle width direction (the left side in this example) when the airbag 101 is inflated and deployed. The left side wall portion 20 is an example of a first side wall portion.

[0022] The right side wall portion 30 is a portion formed and installed so as to face the other side in the vehicle width direction (the right side in this example) when the airbag 101 is inflated and deployed. The right side wall portion 30 is an example of a second side wall portion.

[0023] The bottom portion 40 is a part formed and installed so as to face the underside of the vehicle when the airbag 101 is inflated and deployed. The top portion 50 is a part formed and installed so as to face the upper side of the vehicle when the airbag 101 is inflated and deployed.

[0024] Figure 4 is a side view of the airbag device in the inflated and deployed state according to the first embodiment. The airbag device 201 shown in Figure 4 is one of the occupant protection devices that protect the occupant sitting in the passenger seat. The airbag device 201 is housed within the instrument panel 1 before the airbag 101 inflates toward the space between the instrument panel 1 and the front windshield 4.

[0025] Airbag system 201 is an example of an airbag system for the passenger seat. Airbag system 201 comprises an inflator 2 and an airbag 101.

[0026] The inflator 2 is a gas generator that supplies gas to the inside of the airbag 101 to inflate and deploy the airbag 101 based on a control signal from a control circuit (not shown). The inflator 2 is mounted so as to penetrate a mounting opening 41 formed on the front side of the bottom portion 40 of the vehicle. A patch cloth 43 may be provided to cover the area around the mounting opening 41.

[0027] Before inflation, the airbag 101 is folded and housed within the instrument panel 1. The airbag 101 is an occupant protection component that inflates with gas supplied from the inflator 2, and this inflation pushes open a door on the instrument panel 1, deploying towards the occupant sitting in the passenger seat.

[0028] The airbag 101 has at least one side tether located inside the airbag 101. Figure 4 illustrates the left side tether 60.

[0029] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an airbag according to the first embodiment, showing cross-section AA in Figure 4. The airbag 101 shown in Figure 5 has a left side tether 60 and a right side tether 70. The left side tether 60 and the right side tether 70 may be planar members or string-like members.

[0030] The left side tether 60 is an example of a first side tether provided inside the airbag. The left side tether 60 has a rear end portion 61 connected to the front portion 10 and a front end portion 62 connected to the left side wall portion 20.

[0031] The rear end portion 61 is an example of the first rear end portion. The rear end portion 61 is joined to the inner surface of the front portion 10 by stitching or adhesive at a connection position closer to the left wall portion 20 from the center of the front portion 10 when viewed from above of the airbag 101. The center of the front portion 10 is, for example, the point where, when viewed from above of the airbag 101 in the inflated and deployed state, a straight line passing through the center of the maximum outer width of the airbag 101 in the vehicle width direction and parallel to the vehicle longitudinal direction intersects the front portion 10. The left side valley portion 14 is formed in the front portion 10 when the left side tether 60 pulls the inside of the front portion 10 with the rear end portion 61 due to the inflation and deployment of the airbag 101. The left side valley portion 14 is a recess with the vehicle vertical direction as its longitudinal direction.

[0032] The front end portion 62 is an example of a first front end portion. The front end portion 62 is joined to the inner surface of the left side wall portion 20 by stitching or adhesive at a connection point on the front side of the vehicle from the center of the left side wall portion 20 when viewed from above of the airbag 101. The center of the left side wall portion 20 is, for example, the point where, when viewed from above of the airbag 101 in the inflated and deployed state, a straight line passing through the center of the maximum outer width of the airbag 101 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and parallel to the vehicle width direction intersects the left side wall portion 20. The recess 21 is formed in the left side wall portion 20 when the left side tether 60 pulls the inside of the left side wall portion 20 with the front end portion 62 due to the inflation and deployment of the airbag 101. The recess 21 is a recess with the vehicle vertical direction as its longitudinal direction.

[0033] The right side tether 70 is an example of a second side tether provided inside the airbag. The right side tether 70 has a rear end portion 71 connected to the front portion 10 and a front end portion 72 connected to the right side wall portion 30.

[0034] The rear end portion 71 is an example of a second rear end portion. The rear end portion 61 is joined to the inner surface of the front portion 10 by stitching or adhesive at a connection point closer to the right side wall portion 30 from the center of the front portion 10 when viewed from above of the airbag 101. The right side valley portion 15 is formed in the front portion 10 when the right side tether 70 pulls the inside of the front portion 10 with the rear end portion 71 due to the inflation and deployment of the airbag 101. The right side valley portion 15 is a recess whose longitudinal direction is in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0035] The front end portion 72 is an example of a second front end portion. The front end portion 72 is joined to the inner surface of the right side wall portion 30 by stitching or adhesive at a connection point on the front side of the vehicle, from the center of the right side wall portion 30 when viewed from above of the airbag 101. The center of the right side wall portion 30 is, for example, the point where, when viewed from above of the airbag 101 in the inflated and deployed state, a straight line passing through the center of the maximum outer width of the airbag 101 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and parallel to the vehicle width direction intersects the right side wall portion 30. The recess 31 is formed in the right side wall portion 30 when the right side tether 70 pulls the inside of the right side wall portion 30 with the front end portion 72 due to the inflation and deployment of the airbag 101. The recess 31 is a recess with the vehicle vertical direction as its longitudinal direction.

[0036] Here, the airbag 101 according to the first embodiment has a structure in which the left front section 12, which expands toward the rear of the vehicle, collapses toward the occupant as the occupant enters the central front section 11 of the front section 10. When the airbag 101 is inflated and deployed, the left front section 12 expands toward the rear of the vehicle as shown in Figure 5 due to the pulling of the left side tether 60. The left front section 12 that expands toward the rear of the vehicle is also called the "left sub-bag". The central front section 11 that expands toward the rear of the vehicle as shown in the figure is also called the "main bag".

[0037] Next, the mechanism by which the left sub-bag falls towards the occupant entering the central front section 11 of the front section 10 will be explained with reference to Figures 6-8.

[0038] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag in its initial inflated and deployed state. In the initial state, the tension F1 generated at the front end 62 by the pulling of the left side tether 60 and the tension F2 generated at the rear end 61 by the pulling of the left side tether 60 are balanced (F1 = F2). The tension F2 is approximately equal to the resultant force of the base fabric tension of the left sub-bag (tension F3 at the left front part 12) and the base fabric tension of the main bag (tension F4 at the center front part 11).

[0039] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag immediately after the occupant enters the front section. Due to the crushing of the main bag (center front section 11) caused by the contact between the occupant P's head and the center front section 11, the tension of the main bag's base fabric (tension f4 of the center front section 11) decreases (F4>f4). As the tension f4 decreases, the tension f2 (=F3+f4) generated at the rear end 61 by the pulling of the left side tether 60 also decreases (F2>f2), and as a result, the tension f1 generated at the front end 62 by the pulling of the left side tether 60 also decreases (F1>f1=f2). As the tension decreases to f1, the indentation 21 becomes shallower (see Figure 8), and the left side tether 60 moves towards the front of the vehicle overall. As the left side tether 60 moves towards the front of the vehicle, the left sub-back tilts towards the head of the occupant P as they enter the central front section 11, supporting the occupant P's head from the side.

[0040] As described above, the airbag 101 according to the first embodiment has a structure in which, when viewed from above in the inflated and deployed state, the front end portion 62 is connected to the left side wall portion 20 which is located to the left of the center line of the airbag 101 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In the initial state shown in Figure 6, the front end portion 62 is connected to the left side wall portion 20 at a connection point to the left of the central front portion 11. More specifically, the front end portion 62 is located near the side wall portion 22 of the left side wall portion 20 which forms the maximum width of the airbag 101 (maximum width in the vehicle width direction when viewed from above). The vicinity of the side wall portion 22 refers to, for example, the area that forms a width of 70% or more of the maximum width of the airbag 101 when viewed from above in the inflated and deployed state.

[0041] Because the front end portion 62 is connected to the left side wall portion 20, as the head of the occupant P moving toward the front left of the vehicle enters the central front portion 11 of the front portion 10, the left front portion 12 (left sub-bag) that bulges toward the rear of the vehicle tilts toward the occupant. Therefore, even if the left sub-bag tilts toward the direction of entry along with the head of the occupant P as it enters diagonally toward the front left of the vehicle due to an oblique collision of the vehicle, the head of the occupant P is supported from the side by the left sub-bag and from the front by the main bag. As a result, not only is there support from the front by the main bag, but there is also support from the side by the left sub-bag, so the effect of suppressing the rotation of the occupant P's head is improved.

[0042] The airbag 101 according to the first embodiment also has a structure in which the right front section 13, which expands toward the rear of the vehicle, collapses toward the occupant as the occupant enters the central front section 11 of the front section 10. When the airbag 101 is inflated and deployed, the right front section 13 expands toward the rear of the vehicle as shown in Figure 5 due to the pulling of the right side tether 70. The right front section 13 that expands toward the rear of the vehicle is also referred to as the "right sub-bag".

[0043] A detailed explanation of the mechanism by which the right sub-bag falls towards the occupant entering the central front section 11 of the front section 10 will be omitted, as it will refer to the above explanation for the left sub-bag.

[0044] As described above, the airbag 101 according to the first embodiment has a structure in which, in a top view of the inflated and deployed state, the front end portion 72 is connected to the right side wall portion 30 which is located to the right of the center line of the airbag 101 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In the initial state shown in Figure 6, the front end portion 72 is connected to the right side wall portion 30 at a connection point to the right of the central front portion 11, and more specifically, it is located near the side wall portion 32 of the right side wall portion 30 which forms the maximum width of the airbag 101. The vicinity of the side wall portion 32 refers to, for example, the area that forms a width of 70% or more of the maximum width of the airbag 101 in a top view of the airbag 101 in the inflated and deployed state.

[0045] Because the front end portion 72 is connected to the right side wall portion 30, as the head of the occupant P moving toward the front right of the vehicle enters the central front portion 11 of the front portion 10, the right front portion 13 (right sub-bag) that bulges toward the rear of the vehicle tilts toward the occupant. Therefore, even if the right sub-bag tilts toward the direction of entry along with the head of the occupant P as it enters diagonally toward the front right of the vehicle due to an oblique collision of the vehicle, the head of the occupant P is supported from the side by the right sub-bag and from the front by the main bag. As a result, not only is there support from the front by the main bag, but there is also support from the side by the right sub-bag, so the effect of suppressing the rotation of the occupant P's head is improved.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, when the airbag 101 is inflated and deployed, if the rear end 61 is located closer to the center of the airbag 101 than the front end 62 when viewed from above, the left sub-bag tends to tilt to the right. This increases the lateral support force from the left sub-bag, further improving the effect of suppressing the rotation of the occupant P's head. Similarly, when the airbag 101 is inflated and deployed, if the rear end 71 is located closer to the center of the airbag 101 than the front end 72 when viewed from above, the right sub-bag tends to tilt to the left. This increases the lateral support force from the right sub-bag, further improving the effect of suppressing the rotation of the occupant P's head.

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, when the airbag 101 is inflated and deployed, if the front end 62 is located further forward than the center of the airbag 101 when viewed from above, the left sub-bag tends to tilt to the right. This increases the lateral support force from the left sub-bag, further improving the effect of suppressing the rotation of the occupant P's head. Similarly, when the airbag 101 is inflated and deployed, if the front end 72 is located further forward than the center of the airbag 101 when viewed from above, the right sub-bag tends to tilt to the left. This increases the lateral support force from the right sub-bag, further improving the effect of suppressing the rotation of the occupant P's head.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4, in the left side tether 60 when the airbag 101 is inflated and deployed, it is preferable that at least one of the front end 62 and the rear end 61 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane or the direction of entry into the occupant's front 10 when viewed from the side of the airbag 101. This makes the left sub-bag more likely to tilt towards the occupant's head as they enter the front 10, further improving the effect of suppressing head rotation. In the example shown in Figure 4, both the front end 62 and the rear end 61 extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane or the direction of entry into the occupant's front 10 when viewed from the side of the airbag 101. The same applies to the right side tether 70.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, in the left side tether 60 when the airbag 101 is inflated and deployed, it is preferable that the front end 62 and the rear end 61 extend substantially parallel to each other in a side view of the airbag 101. This makes the left sub-bag more likely to tilt towards the head of the occupant entering the front section 10, further improving the effect of suppressing head rotation. The same applies to the right side tether 70.

[0050] In the left side tether 60 shown in Figure 4, the front end 62 extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle has an upper end 62a and a lower end 62b, and the rear end 61 extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle has an upper end 61a and a lower end 61b. As shown in Figure 4, the upper end 62a and the upper end 61a are located at the same height with respect to the horizontal plane, so that the left sub-bag is more likely to tilt toward the head of the occupant entering the front part 10 in a direction substantially parallel to the horizontal plane, thereby further improving the effect of suppressing head rotation. The same applies to the right side tether 70.

[0051] Figure 9 is a side view of the airbag device in the inflated and deployed state according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the description of the configuration, operation, and effects similar to those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted or simplified by referring to the above-described explanation. The second embodiment shown in Figure 9 differs from the first embodiment shown in Figure 4 in that the upper end portion 62a and the upper end portion 61a are located at different heights with respect to the horizontal plane. Even in this configuration, the left sub-bag tilts toward the head of the occupant entering the front section 10, further improving the effect of suppressing head rotation. The same applies to the right side tether 70.

[0052] In the airbag 102 provided by the airbag device 202 shown in Figure 9, the upper end 62a is lower in height from the horizontal plane than the upper end 61a, and the lower end 62b is lower in height from the horizontal plane than the lower end 61b. In the left side tether 60 when the airbag 102 is inflated and deployed, at least one of the front end 62 and the rear end 61 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane or to the direction of entry into the occupant's front 10 when viewed from the side of the airbag 101. Also, in the left side tether 60 when the airbag 102 is inflated and deployed, the front end 62 and the rear end 61 extend substantially parallel to the airbag 101 when viewed from the side. The same applies to the right side tether 70.

[0053] Figure 10 is a side view of the airbag device in the inflated and deployed state according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, descriptions of the same configuration, operation, and effects as in the above-described embodiments will be omitted or simplified by referring to the above-described descriptions. The third embodiment shown in Figure 10 differs from the second embodiment shown in Figure 9 in that at least one of the front end 62 and the rear end 61 extends substantially parallel to the occupant restraint surface of the front section 10 in a side view of the airbag 103. The third embodiment shown in Figure 10 may also differ from the second embodiment shown in Figure 9 in that at least one of the front end 62 and the rear end 61 extends in a direction that is not substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane or to the direction in which the occupant enters the front section 10 in a side view of the airbag. Even in this configuration, the left sub-bag tilts toward the head of the occupant entering the front section 10, further improving the effect of suppressing head rotation. The same applies to the right side tether 70.

[0054] In the airbag 103 provided by the airbag device 203 shown in Figure 10, the upper end 62a is lower in height from the horizontal plane than the upper end 61a, and the lower end 62b is lower in height from the horizontal plane than the lower end 61b. Also, in the left side tether 60 when the airbag 103 is inflated and deployed, the front end 62 and the rear end 61 extend substantially parallel to the airbag 101 in a side view. The same applies to the right side tether 70.

[0055] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, descriptions of the configuration, operation, and effects similar to those of the embodiments described above will be omitted or simplified by referring to the above descriptions. The fourth embodiment shown in Figure 11 differs from the embodiments described above in that it further includes a lateral tether 80. The lateral tether 80 may be a planar member or a string-like member.

[0056] The lateral tether 80 is located inside the airbag 104 and connects the left side tether 60 and the right side tether 70. The lateral tether 80 has a left end 81 connected to the left side tether 60 and a right end 82 connected to the right side tether 70.

[0057] The left end portion 81 is an example of a tether end portion on one side in the vehicle width direction (the left side in this example). The left end portion 81 is joined to the left side tether 60 by stitching or adhesive at an intermediate connection position between the rear end portion 61 and the front end portion 62. When the left end portion 81 is connected to the left side tether 60 at a position closer to the front end portion 62 between the rear end portion 61 and the front end portion 62, the left side bag is more likely to tilt to the right, thus improving the effect of suppressing head rotation.

[0058] The right end 82 is an example of a tether end on the other side in the vehicle width direction (the right side in this example). The right end 82 is joined to the right side tether 70 by stitching or adhesive at an intermediate connection position between the rear end 71 and the front end 72. When the right end 82 is connected to the right side tether 70 at a position closer to the front end 72 between the rear end 71 and the front end 72, the right side bag is more likely to tilt to the left, thus improving the effect of suppressing head rotation.

[0059] When the airbag 104 is inflated and deployed, the lateral tether 80 creates a portion on the left side tether 60 that is approximately parallel to the direction of entry of the occupant P when viewed from above the airbag 104 (in Figure 11, the portion between the rear end 61 and the left end 81). This makes the left side bag more likely to tilt to the right, thus further improving the effect of suppressing head rotation. The same applies to the right side tether 70.

[0060] When the airbag 104 is inflated and deployed, the lateral tether 80 creates a portion of the left side tether 60 that is approximately perpendicular to the left side wall portion 20 when viewed from above (in Figure 11, the portion between the front end portion 62 and the left end portion 81). This makes the left side bag more likely to tilt to the right, thus further improving the effect of suppressing head rotation. The same applies to the right side tether 70.

[0061] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the effect of the lateral tethers. The left side tether 60 and the right side tether 70 form a left valley 14 and a right valley 15 between the main bag and the sub-bag, and also have the function of forming the head restraint surface of the main bag at a predetermined position. For example, if the width (lateral width) of the airbag in the vehicle width direction is wide and the stroke in the vehicle longitudinal direction is short, the lateral tether 80 makes it possible to adjust the lateral width of the main bag (central front part 11).

[0062] Figure 13 is a side view of the airbag device according to the fifth embodiment in an inflated and deployed state. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag according to the fifth embodiment, showing the cross-section BB shown in Figure 13. In the fifth embodiment, descriptions of the same configuration, operation, and effects as in the above embodiments will be omitted or simplified by referring to the above descriptions. The airbag 105 of the airbag device 205 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the above embodiments in that it further comprises an intermediate tether 90. The intermediate tether 90 may be a planar member or a string-shaped member.

[0063] The intermediate tether 90 is located inside the airbag 105 and connects the bottom portion 40 and the lateral tether 80. The intermediate tether 90 has a rear end portion 91 connected to the lateral tether 80 and a front end portion 92 connected near the mounting opening 41 of the inflator 2.

[0064] The rear end 91 is an example of a tether end on one side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (in this example, the rear side of the vehicle). The rear end 91 is joined to the transverse tether 80 by sewing or adhesive at an intermediate connection position between the left end 81 and the right end 82.

[0065] The left side tether 60 or the right side tether 70 has the function of moving towards the front of the vehicle in response to changes in the tension of each tether, tilting the sub-bag towards the occupant. For example, if the tension of the lateral tether 80 becomes too high due to the shape formation or other reasons, it may hinder the movement of the left side tether 60 or the right side tether 70 towards the front of the vehicle. By adding the intermediate tether 90, the restriction on movement by the lateral tether 80 is reduced, and the movement of the left side tether 60 or the right side tether 70 towards the front of the vehicle can be made smoother.

[0066] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the airbag according to the fifth embodiment. The number of intermediate tethers 90 is not limited to one, but may be multiple. Intermediate tether 90A has a rear end 91 connected to the lateral tether 80 and a front end 92 connected to a first mounting leg (not shown) of the inflator 2. The first mounting leg is inserted into a first mounting hole 42 formed around the mounting opening 41. Intermediate tether 90B has a rear end 91 connected to the lateral tether 80 and a front end 92 connected to a second mounting leg (not shown) of the inflator 2. The second mounting leg is inserted into a second mounting hole 42 formed around the mounting opening 41. The multiple mounting holes 42 are through holes formed in the bottom surface 40 of the airbag 105.

[0067] Figure 16 is a side view of the airbag device in the inflated and deployed state according to the sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, descriptions of the same configuration, operation, and effects as in the above embodiments will be omitted or simplified by referring to the above descriptions. The airbag 106 of the airbag device 206 according to the sixth embodiment differs from the above embodiments in that the left side tether 60 has a rupture portion 63. The right side tether 70 may also have a rupture portion 63. For convenience, in order to clearly show the rupture portion 63, the outer shape of the left side tether 60 provided inside the airbag 106 is shown with a solid line in Figures 16 and 17.

[0068] The left side tether 60 has a break section 63 that breaks between the front end 62 and the rear end 61 so that the distance between the front end 62 and the rear end 61 increases in stages. The break section 63 is a perforation with multiple cuts pre-made in a straight line.

[0069] Figure 17 shows the inflation and deployment process of the airbag according to the sixth embodiment. The load generated when the airbag 106 inflates and deploys causes the rupture portion 63 to rupture in stages, gradually extending the left side tether 60 and gradually extending the stroke of the front portion 10. This enhances the effect of suppressing the rotation of the occupant P's head as it approaches the front portion 10 at an angle, even when the occupant's position in the passenger seat differs in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle during an oblique collision (in any case of P1, P2, or P3).

[0070] Figure 18 is a plan view of the multiple panels and tethers forming an airbag. An airbag according to each embodiment is formed using, for example, a center panel 310, a left panel 320, a right panel 330, a left side tether 60, and a right side tether 70. The airbag may also be formed using a lateral tether 80. The dotted lines in Figure 18 indicate the corresponding locations where the panels are connected.

[0071] The center panel 310 is a strip-shaped base fabric having a left outer edge 311 and a right outer edge 312. The center of the center panel 310 is wider in the longitudinal direction than at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The central front portion 11 (see Figure 2) is formed by the wider central portion of the center panel 310.

[0072] The left panel 320 is a roughly circular base fabric having an outer peripheral edge 321, and forms the left side wall portion 20. The outer peripheral edge 321 and the left outer edge 311 are joined by sewing or adhesive to form the left front portion 12 (see Figure 2).

[0073] The right panel 330 is a roughly circular base fabric having an outer peripheral edge 331, and forms the right side wall portion 30. The outer peripheral edge 331 and the right outer edge 312 are joined by sewing or adhesive to form the right front portion 13 (see Figure 2).

[0074] Although embodiments have been described above, the technology of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications and improvements are possible, such as combinations or substitutions with some or all of the other embodiments.

[0075] For example, the airbag 101 may be a bag that has only one of the left side tethers, 60 and 70. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1. Instrument Panel 2 Inflators 4. Front windshield 10 Front view 11 Center front section 12 Left front view 13 Right front view 14 Left side valley 15 Right valley 20 Left side wall 21 Dent 22 Side wall part 30 Right side wall 31 Dent 32 Side wall part 40 Bottom part 41 Mounting opening 42 mounting holes 43 Patchwork 50 Top part 60 Left side tether 61 Rear end 62 Front end 63 Fracture 70 Right side tether 71 Rear end 72 Front end 80 horizontal tether 81 Left end 82 Right end 90 Intermediate tether 91 Rear end 92 Front end 101 Airbags 201 Airbag system 310 Center Panel 311 Left outer edge 312 Right outer edge 320 Left Panel 321 Outer edge 330 Right Panel 331 Outer edge

Claims

1. It is a passenger-side airbag, In the inflated and deployed state of the airbag, the front portion facing the rear of the vehicle and, In the aforementioned expanded and unfolded state, a first side wall portion facing one side in the vehicle width direction, In the aforementioned expanded and unfolded state, the second side wall portion facing the other side in the vehicle width direction, A first side tether is provided inside the airbag, A second side tether is provided inside the aforementioned airbag, The airbag includes a lateral tether provided inside the airbag, The aforementioned front portion includes a first side portion which is the front portion on the side of the first side wall, a second side portion which is the front portion on the side of the second side wall, and a central front portion which is the front portion between the first side portion and the second side portion. The first side tether has a first rear end connected between the first side portion and the central front portion, and a first front end connected to the first side wall portion. The second side tether has a second rear end connected between the second side and the central front part, and a second front end connected to the second side wall, The lateral tether has a first end that is joined to the first side tether between the first rear end and the first front end, and a second end that is joined to the second side tether between the second rear end and the second front end. The first side portion of the airbag expands towards the rear of the vehicle by the first side tether in the inflated and deployed state, and the first side portion that has expanded towards the rear of the vehicle collapses into the central front section when an occupant enters.

2. It is a passenger-side airbag, In the inflated and deployed state of the airbag, the front portion facing the rear of the vehicle and, In the aforementioned expanded and unfolded state, a first side wall portion facing one side in the vehicle width direction, In the aforementioned expanded and unfolded state, the second side wall portion facing the other side in the vehicle width direction, A first side tether is provided inside the airbag, A second side tether is provided inside the aforementioned airbag, The airbag is provided with a lateral tether that connects the first side tether and the second side tether, The aforementioned front portion includes a first side portion which is the front portion on the side of the first side wall, a second side portion which is the front portion on the side of the second side wall, and a central front portion which is the front portion between the first side portion and the second side portion. The first side tether has a first rear end connected between the first side portion and the central front portion, and a first front end connected to the first side wall portion. The second side tether has a second rear end connected between the second side and the central front part, and a second front end connected to the second side wall, The first side portion, in the expanded and deployed state, bulges out toward the rear of the vehicle by the first side tether, and the first side portion, which bulges toward the rear of the vehicle, collapses toward the occupant entering the central front section. The lateral tether is an airbag that, in the inflated and deployed state, creates a portion of the first side tether that is substantially parallel to the direction of entry of the occupant when viewed from above.

3. It is a passenger-side airbag, In the inflated and deployed state of the airbag, the front portion facing the rear of the vehicle and, In the aforementioned expanded and unfolded state, a first side wall portion facing one side in the vehicle width direction, In the aforementioned expanded and unfolded state, the second side wall portion facing the other side in the vehicle width direction, A first side tether is provided inside the airbag, A second side tether is provided inside the aforementioned airbag, The airbag is provided with a lateral tether that connects the first side tether and the second side tether, The aforementioned front portion includes a first side portion which is the front portion on the side of the first side wall, a second side portion which is the front portion on the side of the second side wall, and a central front portion which is the front portion between the first side portion and the second side portion. The first side tether has a first rear end connected between the first side portion and the central front portion, and a first front end connected to the first side wall portion. The second side tether has a second rear end connected between the second side and the central front part, and a second front end connected to the second side wall, The first side portion, in the expanded and deployed state, bulges out toward the rear of the vehicle by the first side tether, and the first side portion, which bulges toward the rear of the vehicle, collapses toward the occupant entering the central front section. The lateral tether, in the inflated and deployed state, causes a portion of the first side tether to be substantially perpendicular to the first side wall portion when viewed from above.

4. It is a passenger-side airbag, In the inflated and deployed state of the airbag, the front portion facing the rear of the vehicle and, In the aforementioned expanded and unfolded state, a first side wall portion facing one side in the vehicle width direction, In the aforementioned expanded and unfolded state, the second side wall portion facing the other side in the vehicle width direction, A first side tether is provided inside the airbag, A second side tether is provided inside the aforementioned airbag, A lateral tether is provided inside the airbag and connects the first side tether and the second side tether, In the aforementioned expanded and unfolded state, the bottom surface facing the underside of the vehicle, It comprises an intermediate tether connecting the bottom portion and the lateral tether, The aforementioned front portion includes a first side portion which is the front portion on the side of the first side wall, a second side portion which is the front portion on the side of the second side wall, and a central front portion which is the front portion between the first side portion and the second side portion. The first side tether has a first rear end connected between the first side portion and the central front portion, and a first front end connected to the first side wall portion. The second side tether has a second rear end connected between the second side and the central front part, and a second front end connected to the second side wall, The first side portion of the airbag expands towards the rear of the vehicle by the first side tether in the inflated and deployed state, and the first side portion that has expanded towards the rear of the vehicle collapses into the central front section when an occupant enters.

5. The airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the inflated and deployed state, the first rear end is located closer to the center of the airbag than the first front end when viewed from above.

6. The airbag according to claim 5, wherein in the inflated and deployed state, the first front end is located further forward of the vehicle than the center of the airbag when viewed from above.

7. The airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first side tether moves toward the front of the vehicle as the occupant enters the central front section.

8. In the expanded and unfolded state, the first side wall portion has a recess at the first front end. The airbag according to claim 7, wherein the recess becomes shallower as the occupant enters the central front portion.

9. The airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein in the inflated and deployed state, at least one of the first front end and the first rear end extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane or the direction in which the occupant enters, in a side view of the airbag.

10. The airbag according to claim 9, wherein in the inflated and deployed state, the first front end and the first rear end extend substantially parallel to each other in a side view of the airbag.

11. The airbag according to claim 9 or 10, wherein in the inflated and deployed state, the upper end of the first front end and the upper end of the first rear end are located at the same height.

12. The airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein in the inflated and deployed state, the first front end is located near the side wall portion of the first side wall portion that forms the maximum width of the airbag.

13. The airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first side tether is ruptured such that the distance between the first front end and the first rear end increases in stages.

14. The airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the second side portion expands toward the rear of the vehicle by the second side tether in the inflated and deployed state.

15. The bottom portion has an opening for mounting an inflator that supplies gas to the inside of the airbag. The airbag according to claim 4, wherein the intermediate tether connects the vicinity of the mounting opening to the lateral tether.

16. An airbag device comprising an airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 15, and an inflator that supplies gas for inflating the airbag.

Images